Trump decries Nato allies as ‘cowards’ as strait of Hormuz impasse goes on

Trump decries Nato allies as ‘cowards’ as strait of Hormuz impasse goes on

President Trump has accused NATO allies of being “cowards” for not stepping up efforts to “open” the Strait of Hormuz, as the U.S. reportedly readies additional military assets for the Middle East. Fears of economic fallout from the ongoing conflict with Iran have spurred plans to deploy three more warships and thousands of troops, with the strategic goal of pressuring Tehran to restore oil flow through the critical waterway.

U.S. military officials are reportedly considering measures to occupy or block the Kharg Island terminal, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports. The island, just 8 square miles in size and located 16 miles from Bushehr at the northern Gulf, serves as a key link for transporting 90% of the country’s crude. Any attempt to seize control would likely face strong resistance, given Iran’s reliance on fossil fuel revenues.

“We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, as quoted by state television. “From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe.”

News outlets reported that Iran’s military had issued a warning, vowing to target U.S. and Israeli officials globally, including in popular tourist destinations. The threat comes amid heightened tensions, with the U.S. and Israel conducting strikes on Iranian cargo vessels. A local official from Hormozgan province described the attack as a deliberate strike on Bandar Lengeh and Bandar Kong, resulting in 16 ships being destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of around 2,200 marines, to the region. The unit’s specific mission remains unclear, though the USS Boxer, carrying the Marines, is leaving the U.S. three weeks earlier than planned. The Trump administration and its Israeli partners have issued conflicting accounts of their objectives, reflecting a war whose impact has grown beyond initial forecasts.

Despite earlier claims of avoiding “boots on the ground,” the White House emphasized that U.S. forces retain the ability to act decisively. “As President Trump said, he has no plans to send troops anywhere – but he wisely does not broadcast his military strategy to the media, and he retains all options as commander-in-chief,” a White House official stated. The U.S. military could “take out” Kharg Island at any time, according to the official.

Violence continues to spread across the region, from Tel Aviv to the Caspian Sea. Heavy rocket fire struck Dubai during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, while Israeli strikes targeted Syrian positions. This follows reports that U.S. officials had suggested using Syrian forces to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon, only to later align with Israeli actions. Rising oil and gas prices, fueled by the Hormuz bottleneck, now risk triggering a global economic crisis, compounded by Washington’s inconsistent messaging.